RAF Bomber Command veterans yesterday won praise from David Cameron as he vowed to step up efforts to give the war heroes recognition.

The Prime Minister promised that the golden clasps they are being awarded will be handed out as soon as possible.

Mr Cameron also praised the “excellent” Bomber Command memorial in London’s Green Park to the 55,000 crew who lost their lives.

And he said it was tragic that many survivors had died before receiving the honours which are due to be given out next month.

He said: “It is important we get on and hand them out as we are losing more of them and they deserve their medals.”

Only 5,000 of the 125,000 Bomber Command airmen are still alive. Veterans who served on Arctic convoys will get the Arctic Star, it was also revealed this week. Just 250 of the original 60,000 heroes are still alive.